Eddie Jones addressed the media ahead of the team's departure for the Rugby World Cup. Photo: Shutterstock/Dan Himbrechts
Eddie Jones launched a scathing tirade to the media at an event marking Australia's departure for the World Cup, denouncing “the worst press conference I've ever had” and telling the journalists in attendance to “give yourself uppercuts '.
Controversy has flared up following Jones into this second leg as Wallabies head coach, which so far includes four losses in four games. It was announced today that Brad Davis, one of his assistants, would be out of the World Cup due to personal reasons.
Reports also suggested that Jones was unable to reach Quaid Cooper to inform the veteran midfielder that he was excluded from the 33-man squad for the tournament. It was a question about Cooper who ruined the mood at the Sydney airport, and Jones seemed to blame the media for the state of rugby in Australia.
“I don't know why you're coming back. to that, and it probably reflects Australian rugby,” said Jones, who wore an Akubra cap as part of the team's dress code.
“We have to move on. We're approaching the World Cup with a great young squad and you're still talking about players we haven't selected. I tried to call him [Cooper], mate. That's all I can do.”
Cheerful. pic.twitter.com/jLGi5g947n
— Andy Rowe (@AndyRoweOnline), August 17, 2023
“If I call them and they don't call back, what do you want me to do?” Jones added. “What do you want me to do? Tell me. Why ask about it?”
During a 10-minute conversation with reporters, Jones described his inexperienced group of players, captained by Will Skelton, as a new dawn for sport in Australia because “you have to understand that being here for the last eight years has not been enough.” f88290121b4e7371208a1d98ea69f48d.jpg” />Eddie Jones has been aggressive towards the Australian media. Photo: Getty Images/David Gray
“I know what's wrong with Australian rugby and part of the problem is you guys because you're so damn negative about everything,” he said.
“Okay, so we're going to the World Cup and you think we can't win. You think the selection process is bad because the players complained, so I apologize for that.
“We will go there and do our best guys. If you can't say anything positive, please don't ask.”
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Jones, who has an impressive track record in world championships, explained that for Wallabies, “it's all about running time.” After the final warm-up against France, Australia kicks off their tournament against Georgia before taking on Fiji and Wales in three exciting competitions. After briefly referencing this schedule, he was asked what areas the Wallabies have improved in since he arrived.
“Nothing mate, we're terrible, you know we're terrible, just tell us we're terrible, and we'll prove you wrong,” said Jones, who did promise to field a “powerful back row” and praised Tom Hooper's promising appearance over the past months.
“I can feel this negativity coming over me. , I need to clean off the guys because it just sticks to me.”
“Guys, we have a young team here and they are going to make a splash in France,” added the 63-year-old. “Thank you for the worst press conference I have ever had in world rugby. Worst press conference. Well done boys; this is the worst thing i have ever seen. Worst thing I've ever seen.”
The last question, when the press conference was rushed to a close, was about the Akubra.
“Oh, you guessed it was the Akubra? Jones bristled. “They're Australians, mate. Forget it boys. You should be giving yourself uppercuts, boys.”
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